Victorian era funeral
A few years ago, a movie came out titled, Three Weddings and a Funeral and while I did not see the movie, the title with its unlikely imagery has stayed in my mind as weddings and funerals are not usually two words found together in the same sentence. Complete opposites, white is the color for purity and joy, while black is the color for mourning and sorrow, one has to wonder then, how the two can possibly be related.
In the photo above, you will notice that the mourners are wearing white instead of the traditional black; the custom at that time for mourning the death of a young unmarried female. I found this to be interesting, because as we know, white is the color for young virgins. In our modern era, many of these customs have faded away, but, in actuality, they speak volumes to the mindset of a culture which was not yet steeped in humanism; a culture which still found comfort in imagery found only in the Holy Scripture.
Young virgins dressed in white; a symbol of the body of believers betrothed to Christ, who, living or dead, will one day soon, rise to meet their beloved bridegroom in the air. A day which may be closer than we think.
On Monday August 15 (Av 15 on the Jewish calendar) is the minor, and less well-known festival of Tu B’ Av. Tu B’ Av is the Jewish equivalent to Valentines day and dates back to temple times, when young unmarried females usually restricted to marrying within their own tribe could find a husband from within any one of the twelve Jewish tribes. It was this day and this day only, that this could happen.
Dressed in white, the young virgins would go out in to the vineyards to dance, hoping to attract the attention of a young unmarried male to whom they could be betrothed. And, while this particular ceremony is not observed in quite the same way today, it remains a very popular day in Israel for getting engaged or married. With obvious symbolism in regard to the rapture, one can see why this minor, but, none the less important festival is one with fascinating implication to those of us watching the prophetic calendar. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tu_B’Av
I titled this post, “A day for joy and a day for sorrow,” because Tu B’ Av is also the date for the beginning of the grape harvest. A day of joy for those who find themselves betrothed, but, a day of sorrow for those who do not.
How interesting! The grape harvest, as we know from the Bible is the last of three harvests, the first of which are barley and wheat and pertain to believers in Christ. The last has to do with unbelievers; the wicked Christ rejecting world, who have refused the Lord’s generous gift of salvation and have hardened their hearts past any hope of change. According to Joel 3:13 –
“Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come trample the grapes, for the winepress is full and the vats overflow — so great is their wickedness”.
It’s interesting to note, that the grape harvest, which begins on Tu B’ Av ends on Yom Kipper with the days in between considered to be a time of joy. Why? Because, it is in the process of this final harvest that God will triumph over his enemies, putting to a final end, the rebellion of his foes.
“The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.” Isaiah 42:13.
Av 15 was also, the last day for gathering a wood sacrifice, the wood used in the temple for the burning of sacrificial offerings.
On August 15, the comet Honda will make a close appearance to earth; something it does every few years with results that are nothing short of disastrous. It’s a documented fact, that Honda has been the source of many great earthquakes. Summarized here in this article from Five Doves today, you can see for yourself. http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2011/grace723-2.htm
When you think of Biblical typology, the rain began to fall just as the door on the ark was closing. Therefore, it is entirely possible that the rapture will occur on the same day the grape harvest begins. Can we expect a great earthquake on August 15? Based on the history of comet Honda, I would say it is more likely that not.
Some are expecting a two-part rapture, the first of which could occur on Tu’ B Av with the second coming later this fall on the much anticpated Feast of Trumpets. If this is the case, it is much later than we think. For the symbolism is quite plain, the grape harvest begins the day on which the bride is selected.
Until then, may we be watching daily for the soon return of our beloved bridegroom – and, as always,
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6 Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy
Heaven Bound 
Cindy,
It is true that even Gods people have forgotten what it means to be pure and un-defiled. Myself included. The things that have been put in front of our eyes by design have been engineered to take our eyes off the savior. I got some insight by your description around Tu B’ Av. In our culture people are being bombarded with sexually explicit images and they can’t wait more than twenty minutes to act on their impulses. Let alone wait a year to even look. If finding a husband or wife were something that was a “big deal” then finding the right one and keeping them would be even bigger.
I do believe the hour is late based upon the condition of “the church”, unaware, caught up in attracting people for their money to support their programs and organizations to the point where some even blend Islam with “Christianity “.
May our Father in heaven look down and see his people and in mercy give us all eyes to see where we need to yield to his will and ask for forgiveness and that his people would be properly “dressed” and waiting his arrival.
Thank you for your edification Cindy
[You’re very welcome Jeff! You are so right, its imperative that we have a spirit of discernment these days because much of what is being passed off as Christianity, is anything but. Like the Bereans, we must search the scripture daily for ourselves, lest we be led astray by anyone. (Acts 17:11). Blessings Jeff and thanks for writing! C]
By: jeff on July 24, 2011
at 11:01 am
Dear Cindy,
Thank you ! We always enjoy learning more about the customs of our Jewish heritage and the lessons they have for God’s “Little Flock” at this very time in history. Truly, Jesus is coming much sooner than the vast majority of Christians think, and in a manner that will be a surprize to most !
The importance of the Annual Feasts of Autumn are not understood by most professing Christians, but they definitely reveal the time of year that the return of our Saviour will take place. Praise God we are nearing home !
Behold His Amazing Grace,
In His Love,
Rich & Joyce
[Hi Rich and Joyce, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I too, love studying the feasts as there is so much that can be gleaned from them. Both historical and prophetic, I see them as God’s prophetic calendar. How blessed we are to be the generation to witness the fulfillment of all these things! Blessings in Yeshua! C]
By: Rich & Joyce Weber on July 24, 2011
at 1:03 pm
Hi Cindy,
Your posts are most informative. I must once again remind everyone of the parable of the weeds in Matthew 13.
It is plain and clear that the LORD will send HIS angels to remove the wicked first and than gather all of HIS wheat into HIS barns.
So what does that indicate? Are we removed or the wicked?
If we are raptured and get a air lift out of this mess, who will be left to pray for the remaining people and do the LORD’s work?
I think we may be mistaken expecting GOD to rescue us from a depraved world we are very much a part of.
I believe we will witness the destruction of the wicked and as scripture states we also will be overcome by our enemy as he is given power for a time over the saints. What saints? If they or we are all raptured, who is he going to have power over?
Something does not fit and I believe we may be deceiving ourselves thinking we have a first class ticket out of here before any tribulation starts.
Israel in the desert was reduced to total dependance on GOD and not Egypt anymore.
We live in a spiritual multi god worshiping society and we as believers are to approach complete dependance on our KING for our providence.
How many of us really live that way in this current world?
Zec 13:8 In the whole land,” declares the LORD, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it.
Zec 13:9 This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’ ”
[ Hi Steve, Thank you for taking the time to write. I want to expound a little on what I think both Kara and Jeane are saying, if you have read their comments. We know from the Bible that there are three harvests – barley, wheat and grape. Barley represents the over comers, Christians, who are living sanctified lives and who are dilegently watching for the return of the bridegroom. The wheat are those Christians still living carnal lives, who are not quite ready to give up the world. The grapes are of course, the unbelieving wicked. With that established, we have to look at two things. What is the purpose of the tribulation and what is the purpose of the rapture. Both very important!
To set the stage, we need to keep in mind, that God works in dispensations. There are seven different dispensations through which God has worked in human history. We are currently in the dispensation of grace. We are also, in what the Bible refers to as the “times of the Gentiles.” The rapture of the church will accomplish two things. It will close out this current dispensation and it will also end the times of the Gentiles. The purpose of the tribulation is to bring God’s people Israel to their Messiah and to establish God’s kingdom on earth by defeating his enemies, (the devil and the wicked) once and for all. When Israel rejected their Messiah, the message was taken to the Gentiles. But, God has not forgotten his covenant people. When the church age ends with the rapture of the Church, God’s focus will return to Israel, that is why the tribulation is called “the time of Jacob’s trouble.”
The purpose of the rapture is not to exempt believers from hardship. Not at all. We are no better than any other generation of believers. It’s not like we think we deserve a ticket out of here. To think of it in those kinds of terms is to miss the point. As I said, the tribulation has to do with Israel, not the church. Think of it this way – in the Bible, husbands are told to LOVE their wives as Christ loves the church. The tribulation period in it final stages will encompass God’s wrath poured out on an unbelieving world. Our bridegroom does not pour his wrath out on his beloved bride. The bride is taken home because her job is finished! Who, you ask will pray for those in this mess of a world if the church is taken? Not to fret! God has reserved 144,000 Jewish “Elijah’s”, who will be more than equipped to handle the task as well as the two witnesses he has appointed.
I won’t attempt to define here exactly when the wheat are taken, I mentioned in my post the possibility of two raptures, but, I’m a little more inclined to believe the wheat are those who lose their lives during the first part of the tribulation for their faith. Because they were not overcomers, for a time, they will be indistinguishable from the weeds, but, once they realize they were left behind, they will rapidly grow to spiritual maturity (by virture of the persecution) and will in the end be a great witness for Jesus Christ.
With that being said Steve, I thank you again for writing! The questions you pose are good ones. We all must search the scripture to find the basis for our beliefs. It’s an honor to share in a forum here, where we can do just that. Grace and blessings to you brother! Jesus is coming soon! C]
By: Steve Hollander on July 24, 2011
at 2:29 pm
Steve, blessings concerning your thoughts on the rapture. I personally believe that there is a great deal more evidence concerning the righteous being removed than not. In an effort to be short and to the point, I will use basic logic to state my case.
I Think of it this way, there are only two categories the righteous and the wicked, sheep from goats, wheat from tares.
NOT the righteous, the semi- righteous sometimes, the semi- wicked sometimes, and the just plain wicked.
I’m not saying those types don’t exist, thats why we have the lukewarm church of Laodecia, but If the wicked have been removed it removes anyone and everyone that falls into that category, including the afore mentioned, backsliders and those that were never truly saved to begin with as well. Everyone. Where do they go…the only place they can go.
There are no gray areas with God, there is only black and white, righteous and wicked, saved and unsaved. Since there will be some who are Laodecians, backsliders and on the fence types, IN WITH the wicked who are left behind, God makes the only merciful choice he can make of the two. Take the bride and leave the rest whoever they may be. Which begins the refining in the fire to salvage any out of it before sending the wicked to their eternal fire. Refining in the fire is actually a gift as painful as it will be, a last ditch effort to save these souls. Many will be saved out of the tribulation.
According to the theory you stated… the only ones remaining would be the truly righteous and pure bride of Christ, why would she need to be refined in the fire, and great wrath brought upon her???? Unless she is unclean. Not to mention that would indicate that a bride without spot or blemish does not exist. Which is not biblical or scriptural.
It is for this reason the pure undefiled bride is removed and those that remain are those that need refining/salvation. God in is great mercy has granted them one last chance to choose him and repent.
If he were to just take them straight to hell what would be the point in bringing great wrath on an undefiled bride. Did he miss some was he unsure did he make a mistake and leave some semi-righteous semi wicked in with the pure bride. So that now he has to go back clean the bride up and remove those types through great tribulation????? There again indicating an unclean bride and if the bride is unclean how is there any difference between the sheep and the goats if she is just as unclean as they are.
We cant have it both ways…either the righteous pure bride of Christ is removed, or all the wicked. I believe it will be the righteous.The sheep, the clean and pure bride. Leaving behind a great deal of people who will be refined as through a fire that they might come to the saving grace and knowledge of the Messiah, Yeshua.
Blessings and considerations,
ysic,
Kara
By: kara on July 24, 2011
at 7:33 pm
Anytime we discuss the Lord’s coming, Christians are “all over the park.”
Kara and Steve – I disagree with both of you! There are actually 3 categories: The Barley – The Wheat – and the Tares. The Barley is the group of Christians (the first 5 virgins with oil in their lamps and without spot or blemish” and ready to go and follow Jesus when He unexpectantly appears). They are the group “counted worthy to avoid all that’s coming on the earth.” The Lord will bind the tares next as the Word states – and the wheat are those that are difficult to get to change their ways – difficult to separate the chaff from – but they are Christians. They are Christians, but they are NOT without spot or blemish because they are holding on to pagan traditions – worldly ways – and it will take great conflict to get them to leave it behind. They are the last 5 virgins without the oil – and were not ready to go with Jesus when He first appeared. (They will be “gathered into the barn”; however, the Barley have gone with Jesus and avoiding all that’s coming on the earth. See Joel 2 – the Barley are the “bride” that at the end of Joel are appearing just as the wheat are repenting for not having left all behind! It doesn’t state that the barley have been raptured – the scriptures refer to the bride as having been “hidden in an inner bridal chamber.”
Then there’s this scripture:
Luk 12:36 – And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
This scripture is referring to the wheat who have been left the first time around – and refers to the Lord RETURNING FROM THE WEDDING (the wedding has already occurred). They are Christians, but they are NOT the bride – they are saved – but they are NOT without spot or blemish. They are Christians but they absolutely will not let go of this world they so love. It is THIS group that Joel 2 is addressed to.
The Christian church as we know it IS NOT READY! Those that have come out of Babylon and are repenting and letting go of pagan holidays – the love of money – their love for TV and movies and cable and entertainment and sports and and and — THIS WORLD – those that have gone back to living a holy life — they are the barley group.
By: Jeane on July 25, 2011
at 2:31 am
Hi Jeane, you missed my point completely 🙂 …I didn’t say there was not more than one type and yes I know all about the barley, the wheat and the grapes. We are actually more on the same page, maybe I didn’t make myself very clear.
The POINT of the discussion was in reference to Steve saying that only the wicked would be removed.
That was the point of our two comments. I was saying that because there is only two groups, the removed and the unremoved, if you will, everyone falls into one of those categories. Which is true… THERE WILL NOT BE people floating around in limbo. Neither here nor there, just in some gray area where they were neither raptured nor left behind. SO…there is only two options the raptured and the left behind.
There are different TYPES WITHIN just as you had said, (THE BARLEY, THE WHEAT AND THE TARES), the wheat are still christians but, are difficult to get to change their ways as you put it. You are pointing out the process by which it is done, and the types within them. You said there are 3 categories, what you mean is types (and I agree) but…there is still only two situations – being raptured as a barley virgin or being a wheat which grow up with the tares for a time.
I was simply trying to point out that there is only two situations and that the wicked being taken and leaving only the righteous wouldn’t make any sense. There is the wheat, which is separate from the barley and it wouldn’t make any sense for the wheat to be mixed in with the barley since the barley is a representation of the wise virgins, spotless and without blemish. There must be a separation of the two. Since they are not wise, they cannot fall into line with the barley, therefore as I was trying to say, they get “LUMPED IN” for a time with those who are left behind and are made to go through the refining fires. I agree with most of what you had to say, no lack of respect here… it just missed the point of what I was trying to get across which is – that the proof leans toward the righteous being removed ( the barley, the wise virgins the blemish free bride) and not the other way around. Now if you disagree with that, then that is another matter all together. 🙂
I just wanted to clarify for those who made the same mistake reading my comment as you did. I don’t want to be misunderstood or others to be misled by what you thought I was saying. Maybe you still disagree. but I wanted set the record straight.
Blessings to you dear sister,
Kara
By: kara on July 25, 2011
at 5:02 am
I misunderstood, Kara. Thanks – great overview – I agree – I agree. Perhaps with all that is said at this point, maybe a few more wheat will quickly let go of this world and cross over to the right track.
That is our hope – especially for our loved ones that are still sitting on the wrong side of the fence and think everything is “okay,” when it is not.
Love to you — looking forward to His return.
Jeane
By: Jeane on July 25, 2011
at 7:46 pm
Hi Cindy,
It’s actually your room for the 15th dream that started me on Tu B Av again.
The post on doves based on comet observations by Kazuo Kinoshita,
http://cometography.com/pcomets/045p.html
I just searched for the dates with the word earthquake added.
Obviously comets do not cause earthquakes; if they are coincident, as they are in this case it is an act of God to allow the pattern to be observed.
I would recommend everyone read these two links and reflect on how these two upcoming days were tied together in history, and how the people involved hardened their hearts and did not receive God’s intended blessing.
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Summer_Holidays/Tishah_B_Av/tishah_b_av.html
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Summer_Holidays/Tu_B_Av/tu_b_av.html
We will celebrate these days in the future!
And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace Zech 8:18
Blessings
Michael
[That’s right Michael, we will observe these feasts in the future! Right now we see them as historical and prophetic, in the future they will be commemorative. For me, they already hold special signifiance. My Christmas tree has been replaced by a Chanukah Menorah and Easter is now Passover for me. Not because I have to, but, because I want to. And, that’s how it should be. Grace and blessings! C]
By: Michael on July 25, 2011
at 4:32 pm
A very interesting excerpt..
Tishah B’Av and Yeshua’s Return
When Yeshua read the Haftarah in the synagague and announced that the Messianic expectation was being fulfilled, He read only part of the passage from Isaiah 61:1-3 and then “closed the book,” leaving verse “unfinished” (Luke 4:18-21). In other words, Yeshua read the following:
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor…”
but He did not go on to finish the passage:
“…and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion – to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.”
Yeshua will finish “reading” this verse when He returns at the end of the age (Yom Adonai, at the end of the Great Tribulation) to establish Zion as praise of the earth. At that time, the all the fast days surrounding the destruction of the Temple will be transformed into to appointed times of great joy (Zech. 8:19).
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Summer_Holidays/Tishah_B_Av/Haftarah/haftarah.html
Blessings
Michael
By: Michael on July 25, 2011
at 6:49 pm
Hello everyone,
When I read the following passages last week for some reason I could not stop thinking about them. Specifically verse 15 that describes those who suffer loss but are themselves saved “yet so as by fire”. Generally fire is not thought of as something that saves, but destroys. As I read over the comments above I’m beginning to wonder if these verses are describing “the day” those are taken in the rapture as well as those who are left behind and will suffer loss by fire but will themselves be saved!
1 Corinthians 3:13-15
13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
As Cindy said, let’s continue to study and test these things according to the Scriptures like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 and the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth.
God bless each one of you!
By: Coreen on July 25, 2011
at 6:53 pm
Hi Cindy and Jeanne and Kara,
I understand what you are saying about the barley, wheat, and tares.
The problem I have with this is that it is pharasaical to believe we are any less spotted than our fellow sinner humans.
For it is the blood of CHRIST and the blood of CHRIST only that makes us spotless or clean.
Even our best deeds are as filthy rags.
So how then can we be judged any less sinful than others since we are all evil?
No we are in a lot together and it is called the body of CHRIST.
Some parts are used in indignation and some for honor.
This is the case with our bodies and it serves as an example since the natural first and than the spiritual comes forth.
So are we to not consider ourselves as the pharisee did in the temple.
He considered himself “less of a sinner” than the tax collector and so went away in his sins as the tax collector admitted to his shame and went away justified.
That is the example we are to take.
No one is better than anyone else.
We all need CHRIST and HIS cleansing equally.
So why would one be more saved or less saved than another?
How is it that one is raptured and one is left behind, yet still saved?
There are two groups, believers and non-believers.
Even many believers are not truly believers as they are cast away as goats believing they were sheep.
It seems to me in my small time walking with the LORD; most sheep think they are goats and most goats think they are sheep.
Only blacksheep made it back with Jacob and it appears only blacksheep may make it into the kingdom.
Blacksheep are worthless. That is worth less in this world than white sheep yet the LORD blessed the spotted sheep to return with Jacob and not the white sheep.
Makes one wonder if we have it wrong about who is and who isn’t walking according to HIS will.
Trust is the work.
Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the
nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
It is no small thing for us to consider ourselves better or less sinful than another as it is not always evident to us when it comes to our sins.
It is the LORD that searches the heart and exposes our sin to us.
Please clarify why there would be the “saved” and the “less saved”.
Thank you ….. Steve
By: Steve Hollander on July 25, 2011
at 7:09 pm
Steve – What is going to happen in my personal opinion (which isn’t always worth a whole lot !!) it is sort of like the Israelites in the desert when they came out of Egypt. They all were Israelis – they belonged to the nation of God – they were one group – all in the hand of the Lord God that just brought them out of Egypt from evil slavemasters. But there was a group within the whole that were still trying to hang on to old ways – still worshipping idols made with hands. They still had Egypt in them. I can’t state that it is a matter of “less saved” – it had to do with the condition of their hearts. They had just stepped across Jordan and into a brand new life – they were heading for their Promised Land and the Lord God was NOT going to stand for anyone that would not get on board. Group after group died in the wilderness “hanging on to the past.” There are some verses in that group (like wanting meat instead of just bread) that I may well have been found in the middle of!! (Scary thought.)
It isn’t going to be any different to Christians in the Gentile era. The timeline is just about up – we are in the closing minutes of the time of the Gentiles. God isn’t going to stand for anyone hanging on to old pagan traditions – chasing money in the churches – stealing the hope of the poor – worshipping Shiva (and not even realizing it). The Church Age is just about up. We have never been in a situation like this ever before. It is either His way – or No way. If you are not listening to the Lord God – if you are not letting go of pagan traditions, etc., then you cannot Hear Him. If you continue to hang on to worldly ways and not allow Him to purge you of unholy things in our lives then, just like in the Desert with the Israelite children, we will get tossed off His train. I believe we are in very dangerous times for those of us that call ourselves His. He has GOT to come first – above everything else in our lives. This is NOT a time to be chasing after anything but Him – everything else has to come second or third or fourth … It is a time to examine ourselves and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal everything in us that is not pleasing to Him. He is coming ONLY for those without spot or blemish. Are we chasing after this world’s idols – TV – cable – sports – money – businesses – entertainment – spending spending spending – big homes – new cars – vacations – …. STOP. This may be what the churches are saying you deserve, but it is NOT what He says we deserve. Check the scriptures – pray for discernment – WALK IN TRUTH (and not half lies as so many Christians are walking in) – your eternal destiny is at stake. Change and repent now before it is too late and you are kicked off of HIs train!
[I couldn’t have said it better myself, Amen Jeane, Amen! C]
By: Jeane on July 25, 2011
at 8:07 pm
Thank you Jeanne,
I believe I am on the “train” as you call it.
But only the KING knows for sure. As I said before, the goats think they are sheep and the sheep think they are goats.
So I believe we are all sinners and I am the chief of them all.
I can do no good thing on my own, it must come from HIM.
My work begins and ends with trusting HIM.
As a result of this I loathe sin more and more daily.
Many sins are only revealed to me after I am willing to be made willing.
Salvation begins and ends with JESUS CHRIST and is not based on my deeds.
My heart is what is to be judged because all of my deeds are as filthy rags.
Blessings on all of you folks.
The only way to CHRIST is through trusting in HIM. ….. Steve
[Thanks Steve, what you say is absolutely true and you did it beautifully, thanks for writing! C]
By: Steve Hollander on July 25, 2011
at 9:32 pm
Amen and amen, Steve.
By: Jeane on July 26, 2011
at 5:12 am